The new Maschine Mikro is the cheapest entry yet into the world of Maschine

The new Native Instruments Maschine Mikro was announced last week and at first glance it may appear as a smaller version of the larger Maschine MK3. But for £199, it's impressive what's included ith the bundle, not least the Maschine software and impressive sound library. The new touch strip, taken its cue from Maschine Jam seems to add a versatile new way to input FX and performance options, including the ability to 'strum' notes by moving your finger from left to right.

There's also less shift-functions, bringing with pad, keyboard, chord and step mode all now with dedicated buttons at the top of the unit. The screen has all but been removed in place of a small OLED screen not offering much but basic numerical info. On top of the hardware you also get NI's excellent Monark, Prism and the legendary Massive with the bundle. All in all, our first impressions are really strong – for the price it's easily the best beat-making groovebox and loop device out there. Stay tuned for a video review.